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Managing Editor, Audience (12918)

Employer
American University
Location
District of Columbia, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Oct 20, 2021


WAMU 88.5 is the leading public radio station in the greater Washington, D.C. area, and DCist is our digital outlet for local news. We provide in-depth and enterprise reporting alongside essential daily news and information that aims to reflect and serve the diverse communities of our region. We believe in news as a public service and put our current and future audience at the center of our work.

Summary/Objective

The Managing Editor, Audience develops, oversees, and executes the audience engagement strategy of WAMU’s regional newsroom, driving the plan for how WAMU and DCist expand the reach of our journalism.

With the goals of diversifying, growing, and deepening the loyalty of our audiences, the role has oversight of social media, newsletters, homepage presentation and journalism-focused events. These include our homepages and presentation of local content on NPR.org; the voice and cadence of our social platforms for both WAMU and DCist; recirculation of stories and evergreen strategy; implementation of the DCist membership program; in-person and digital events; and initiatives to increase newsletter, streaming, and local podcast audiences.

The Managing Editor, Audience also plays a key role in identifying which metrics are most relevant to WAMU’s audience goals, tracking progress against those goals (particularly impact) and sharing this information regularly with the newsroom in conjunction with the Growth Editor.

The role will require a combination of big picture strategic thinking, detail-oriented project management and hands-on audience engagement work. The Managing Editor, Audience will be a creative thinker who develops new, outside-the-box initiatives, refines our existing strategies, and otherwise helps transform WAMU/DCist into a powerhouse of audience-driven local journalism.

The Managing Editor collaborates with the Growth Editor, DCist Membership Manager, Strategic Partnerships Editor, and Marketing and Technology teams to conceive, manage, and execute these audience-focused projects. The position supervises a team of two or more audience engagement specialists.

Essential Functions

Audience Strategy & Development:Drive the audience engagement strategy and plan for WAMU’s newsroom. Establish a vision and goals for the team that focus on growing, diversifying, and deepening the loyalty of WAMU’s local news audience and members on various platforms. Implement, plan, and achieve results through the coordinated efforts of the team that includes two or more Audience Engagement specialists. Execute social media strategy (to include both promotion of news content and engagement as a means of enriching reporting and deepening loyalty), promote evergreen content and ensure that SEO best practices are being implemented. Develop and execute strategies to grow audiences for streaming audio and local news podcasts and propose and help execute local news-focused events with colleagues in Marketing. Develop and lead strategies to grow the newsletter audience, and oversee the homepage(s), along with new projects that reflect changing audience behaviors and demands.

Editing:Contribute to the smooth editorial functioning of the newsroom by editing daily newsletter(s), planned social media content, homepage text and the DCist membership newsletter. May also edit digital stories or oversee the breaking news desk on an as needed basis.

Team Building & Supervision:On a day-to-day basis, the Managing Editor, Audience ensures the Audience Specialists have clear expectations and the direction and coaching they need to succeed. The role develops staff through effective management including regular 1:1’s, goal-setting and performance reviews. The Managing Editor, Audience actively manages the recruiting process for open engagement positions, is well-versed in personnel policies and supports a fair and impartial process when performance issues, disputes or complaints arise. The role is a key leader on the newsroom team and helps other parts of the newsroom engage in audience-driven work.

Metrics:With the Growth Editor, track audience metrics in relevant areas (newsletter subscriptions, social media followers, site traffic, podcast downloads, traffic sources/SEO). Set quarterly audience growth goals and communicate results with the newsroom on a regular basis.

Supervisory Responsibility
  • Directly supervises 2 full time audience engagement specialists
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
  • Full time
  • Team Leader/Consultant B
  • Exempt
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Journalism, Digital Media or a Related Field
  • 7-10 years of relevant experience, to include supervisory experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
  • Master's degree or equivalent in Journalism, Digital Media or a Related Field
  • 8-10 years of relevant experience
  • Experience with journalism that fulfills audience needs, integrates audience response, and prioritizes audience engagement
  • Strong writing and editing skills
  • Knowledge of and passion for the Washington region
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Experience managing a team; in particular, experience coaching and mentoring broadcast or print reporters in best practices for digital journalism
  • Fundamental demonstrated understanding of and experience with content management systems, web development, and web design
  • Experience and success directing the development of multimedia content such as video, audio, and social media graphics
  • Experience driving social media strategy, monitoring analytics, and adjusting future plans based on performance
  • Impeccable news judgment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills, and a demonstrated ability to multi-task
  • Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of public radio journalism
  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check
  • To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive
Benefits
  • Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options
Others
  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Current American University Employees:

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Contact Us:

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC

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